Real Madrid News
Dumfries vs Alexander-Arnold: Mourinho establishes Real Madrid right-back pecking order
Real Madrid’s plans at right-back could take an unexpected turn next season, with new signing Denzel Dumfries set to move ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold in Jose Mourinho’s pecking order.
According to El Larguero, Dumfries has impressed Mourinho during the opening stages of pre-season and is emerging as the manager’s preferred option on the right side of defence.
The Dutchman’s arrival from Inter for €20 million initially appeared to be one of the quieter moves of Real Madrid’s transfer window, as many expected him to provide competition and rotation for Trent, who was seen as the clear first-choice right-back.
However, the first three pre-season matches have painted a different picture.
Mourinho’s use of both players suggests that Dumfries could begin the new campaign as the preferred right-back, while Trent’s role may develop into something different.
Dumfries moves ahead of Trent in Mourinho’s plans
When Real Madrid signed Dumfries, the expectation was relatively straightforward.
Trent was expected to remain Mourinho’s main option at right-back after an inconsistent first season in Spain.
Dumfries, meanwhile, appeared set to provide depth and take some of the Englishman’s minutes during a long campaign.
But the distribution of playing time in pre-season has raised questions over that initial assumption.
Against Fiorentina, Trent started at right-back, while Dumfries was used further forward on the right wing. The Englishman completed the match, with Dumfries leaving the pitch in the 75th minute.
Mourinho then switched things around against Ferencváros, with Dumfries starting at right-back, while Trent entered the match during the second half.
The pattern continued against Deportivo, where Mourinho once again selected the Netherlands international from the start and introduced Trent after the break.
Dumfries completed the full 90 minutes against Deportivo, although he moved into a more advanced role during the second half.
As a result, those selections are beginning to show where the Portuguese coach’s thinking lies, with the former Inter defender currently ahead in the battle to become Real Madrid’s first-choice right-back.
Mourinho sees different roles for Dumfries and Trent
The competition between the two players may not be as simple as choosing one traditional right-back over another.
This is because Dumfries offers Mourinho a direct, energetic profile.
He can cover the right flank, attack space and make an impact in advanced areas, as his positional changes during pre-season have already shown.
Trent, meanwhile, appears to be increasingly viewed as a player who can influence Real Madrid’s possession from deeper areas.
His passing ability and vision make him capable of helping organise the team’s build-up rather than simply operating as a conventional full-back throughout the match.
That could explain why Mourinho is experimenting with the pair instead of treating them as direct replacements for one another.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
